An Even Cooler Carhartt

Carhartt WIP Filmore Jacket

"It's about fookin' time," exclaims our British art director, as he pages through the 114-page catalog for Carhartt's Work in Progress (WIP) line. Turns out that Europeans have been getting exclusive access to the famed Detroit workwear brand's best gear since 1997, when WIP first appeared across the Atlantic (physical storefronts are now in 14 countries across four continents). This street-smart sub-label uses the same simple, classic materials and offers a full line like the parent brand – cotton, flannel, and wool jackets; shirts and pants – but in trimmer, more tailored fits that are better suited for the city than the workplace.

WIP first arrived on American soil in October 2011 with a store in NYC's SoHo neighborhood, and a full-service e-commerce site is coming soon. In the meantime, get thee to Gotham and check out our pick of the first wave: The Filmore Jacket, a zip-front piece made from water-resistant waxed poplin. It may not replace your seam-sealed storm beater, but the material easily fends off unexpected fall showers. And better yet, in easy-to-spot "blast orange," it's the one jacket you won't forget at the bar. For us, though, we're happy to have finally found a coat that works just as well over sweatshirts as it does over sportcoats. About fookin' time, indeed. [$345; carhartt-wip.com]